Great Keppel Island: Snorkel, Boomnet & Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Summary

Swim coral reefs then laugh through boomnetting with locals

You’ll sip tea on deck as you leave Yeppoon behind for Great Keppel Island, cruise over coral on a glass bottom boat with local guides, snorkel in clear water with all gear included, share a BBQ lunch under the sun, and try boomnetting (it’s wilder than it sounds). Expect laughter, sandy feet, and moments you’ll want to replay later.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a mug of hot tea as we stepped onto the catamaran — I remember the steam curling up in the salty morning air. Our guide, Tom (he grew up just across from Great Keppel Island), started pointing out little pockets of reef as soon as we left the marina. He had this way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages, cracking jokes about how he still can’t spot turtles before his mum does. The water was that glassy blue that almost doesn’t look real — you know what I mean? — and the sun kept flickering off it while we drifted towards the island.

The glass bottom boat ride was quieter than I expected, except for Tom’s running commentary and someone’s kid pressing their nose to the glass. We saw these bursts of color — coral fans, darting fish — and I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared. After that, there was time to wander around the village (I bought an ice block from this tiny shop where everyone seemed to know each other) or just sit on the sand. I ended up walking one of those short trails lined with pandanus trees; everything smelled faintly sweet and earthy after last night’s rain.

Lunch was noisy in a good way: steak sizzling on the grill, people passing bread rolls down long tables, someone laughing about how much sunscreen they’d already gone through. Then came snorkeling — they gave us all the gear (and stinger suits, which honestly made me feel like an awkward superhero). The water was cooler than I thought but clear enough to watch parrotfish nibbling at rocks right below us. And then boomnetting… okay, I’ll admit I hesitated at first. But once you’re hanging onto that net being dragged behind a boat with everyone shrieking and sea spray flying everywhere? You just forget how silly you look and start grinning like an idiot. It’s hard not to.

I keep thinking about that last bit of sun on my arms as we headed back toward Yeppoon — hair full of salt, skin a little tight from wind and sea. It felt like summer when you were a kid: messy, happy, nothing fancy but exactly right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Keppel Island adventure tour

• Enjoy morning tea onboard
• Take Glass Bottom Boat coral tour
• Explore island trails and village
• Have hearty Aussie-style lunch
• Snorkel at prime marine spots
• Experience thrilling boomnetting ride
• Enjoy afternoon tea and refreshments

Top questions

Is snorkel equipment included in the Great Keppel Island tour?

Yes, all snorkelling equipment is provided including life jackets, flotation devices, stinger suits and wetsuits.

How long do you spend on Great Keppel Island during the day trip?

You have about an hour to explore island trails, beaches and the village area during your tour.

What is boomnetting on this tour?

Boomnetting is riding on a net attached to the back of the boat while it moves—like an ocean spa experience that’s fun and splashy.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes—a hearty Aussie-style BBQ lunch is included with steak, sausages, bread buns, salads and fruit.

Are drinks included on board?

Complimentary tea, coffee, cordial and water are available throughout the day.

Is there commentary or information about marine life?

Yes—local crew including a marine biologist provide expert commentary during the glass bottom boat ride.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes—the spacious catamarans have onboard restrooms for your comfort.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island by catamaran with onboard restrooms; morning tea when you board; expert-led glass bottom boat coral viewing; free time to explore island beaches or village trails; all snorkelling equipment (life jackets, stinger suits); an Aussie BBQ lunch with steak and salads; afternoon tea; plus unlimited tea, coffee or cold drinks throughout your adventure before returning in the afternoon.